Census aims to map hidden homelessness among women as services push for female-only options

The Women's Rough Sleeping Census is underway this week across the North East, including Newcastle, to measure the scale of women sleeping rough and to assess the availability and suitability of existing services. The survey runs from September 22 to 28, and the findings, due in October, are meant to guide where resources are directed and how services are shaped for women.

Shelter North East says the number of female rough sleepers in the region has risen by about 425% over the past five years, with many women avoiding both sleeping rough and using hostels because mixed-sex accommodation is seen as unsafe. In Sunderland, a woman identified as Jay described a mixed-sex hostel there as ruthless and full of alcohol and drugs, recalling that in the first week three men were taken out in body bags. She said background checks were not thorough and that the presence of certain residents created everyday risk for women, including those who have suffered domestic abuse. Leanne, another woman who has sofa-surfed for months, said she was too scared to stay in a mixed-sex hostel after a traumatic experience and carried her bags everywhere, earning herself the nickname of a local figure known as the bag lady.

Tracey Guy of Shelter North East said many homeless women stay off the street by sleeping in cars, in accident and emergency units, or even staying with perpetrators of abuse because an unsafe space seems safer than sleeping in a doorway. She noted that the risk of re-victimization drives women's decisions about where to rest and that many fall under the radar.

Emmaus North East runs a women-only house, and chief executive Ruth Parker said most residents have faced trauma, domestic abuse or sexual violence. She argued that placing such women in general hostels can expose them to further harm and stressed that dedicated women-only accommodation must be a high priority. Emmaus plans to open a new women-only premises in 2026, but Parker said more options are needed.

BBC reporters asked local authorities in the North East about current provision. Most report beds in mixed-sex hostels, and some councils have no female-only provision at all. Newcastle City Council joined the census for the first time; Councillor Paula Maines, cabinet member for housing, said the data could help ensure women have access to appropriate services and could be used to push government for more funding.

Officials say the census will provide a clearer picture of the scope and geography of the problem, guiding policy and funding decisions at regional and national levels. A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson emphasized the government's commitment, noting a £1 billion spend on vital services to help women who are sleeping rough and describing the census as a first step toward ending homelessness.

Findings are due in October, and charities said they hope the results will reveal truer numbers and lead to stronger support for women like Jay and Leanne.